tobyyy's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this novel, although it was fluffy. But then, I think the fluffiness is what made it fun for me - I read it during times when my brain couldn't manage deeper fiction or homework, so the fluffiness was quite enjoyable. It was also very fun, and I look forward to reading more Daniela Spevak mysteries. (I was quite delighted to find out that yes, there are in fact more books by Amanda Brice!!)
However, although it was listed as a YA novel, I think parts of it were more MG. I'm not positive on that, but having a 14-year-old heroine does put the novel kind of in the middle of higher MG and young YA. Daniela did seem quite young at times, and childish in some of her reactions to events - but then, at other times, she seemed quite mature. I had to remind myself that she was only fourteen and that is how I was at 14 and how most 14-year-olds seem to be. XD
My only real problem with the book - and the only reason it didn't get a higher rating - is because the real perp for the mystery was obvious (to me, at least) from the very beginning of the mystery. The only reason that I didn't get too frustrated with that was that the reasoning behind the sabotaging was not clear until the very end.
Overall, though, a book I would recommend if you're looking for a light read.
However, although it was listed as a YA novel, I think parts of it were more MG. I'm not positive on that, but having a 14-year-old heroine does put the novel kind of in the middle of higher MG and young YA. Daniela did seem quite young at times, and childish in some of her reactions to events - but then, at other times, she seemed quite mature. I had to remind myself that she was only fourteen and that is how I was at 14 and how most 14-year-olds seem to be. XD
My only real problem with the book - and the only reason it didn't get a higher rating - is because the real perp for the mystery was obvious (to me, at least) from the very beginning of the mystery. The only reason that I didn't get too frustrated with that was that the reasoning behind the sabotaging was not clear until the very end.
Overall, though, a book I would recommend if you're looking for a light read.
operasara's review against another edition
4.0
Codename: Dancer (A Dani Spevac Mystery) is a cute middle grade book about Dani who has just arrived at a performing arts boarding school. Dani is lucky enough to be cast as a dancer in a dancing with the stars like reality show but there's a problem. Someone has been sabotaging the show. A set falls down injuring one of the dancers, a bomb is planted in Dani's purse and more. Dani and her friends decide to put their spying skills to the test so they can save the show.
This is an adorable book and the mystery was fun I tore through the book and found it very entertaining. The setting and characters were interesting enough and I liked that the main character was a dancer. However, the characters were super cliched. The art student was dark and dreary, the mean girl was nasty and conniving and the movie star was cute and funny with Dani falling for him in an instant. Dani eats nothing at all and is constantly skipping meals and her friends help her diagnose her eating disorder before the end of the book which she accepts rather easily (because all dancers have eating disorders). The dance sequences seemed like they were written by someone who has read a lot about dance or watched it on TV but not someone who was actually a dancer. The book is very short (150 pages) but it's currently available on Amazon for kindle for 1.99 and for that price it's a fun and quick read.
Appropriateness: This book is free of sex and substance abuse and the romance is limited to kissing. The main character has an eating disorder that's handled in the same way that one would be handled in a program for young teens. She skips a lot of meals and uses costuming as an excuse. Her friends notice and after a few point it out to her and she accepts it (after denying it for a while) eats some pasta and in the end she mentions that she'll be going to a nutritionist to get it in control. I would recommend this book to girls 10-13.
This is an adorable book and the mystery was fun I tore through the book and found it very entertaining. The setting and characters were interesting enough and I liked that the main character was a dancer. However, the characters were super cliched. The art student was dark and dreary, the mean girl was nasty and conniving and the movie star was cute and funny with Dani falling for him in an instant. Dani eats nothing at all and is constantly skipping meals and her friends help her diagnose her eating disorder before the end of the book which she accepts rather easily (because all dancers have eating disorders). The dance sequences seemed like they were written by someone who has read a lot about dance or watched it on TV but not someone who was actually a dancer. The book is very short (150 pages) but it's currently available on Amazon for kindle for 1.99 and for that price it's a fun and quick read.
Appropriateness: This book is free of sex and substance abuse and the romance is limited to kissing. The main character has an eating disorder that's handled in the same way that one would be handled in a program for young teens. She skips a lot of meals and uses costuming as an excuse. Her friends notice and after a few point it out to her and she accepts it (after denying it for a while) eats some pasta and in the end she mentions that she'll be going to a nutritionist to get it in control. I would recommend this book to girls 10-13.
mrskatiefitz's review
3.0
Codename: Dancer is set at a performing arts boarding school, where Daniela "Dani" Spevak has just enrolled in the dance program. Though she is new to the school and somewhat self-conscious, she is thrilled to be cast in the reality TV show, Teen Celebrity Dance Off, which will film on campus during the semester. She is even more excited when she learns her partner will be heartthrob Nick Galliano. Excitement aside, though, the show is plagued from the outset by strange and dangerous mishaps. Bomb threats, arson, attempted poisoning - it seems like someone is maliciously targeting Dani, but she has no idea who, or why. She and her friends are determined to find out, though, before Dani is seriously injured - or worse.
I really like the concept for this book. I am not usually a fan of books about dancing, with the possible exception of Ballet Shoes, but the combination of dance and crime-fighting is really appealing, and brought a new, interesting layer to the mystery genre. The story reminded me a lot of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls books, both in style and substance. Brice and Carter both have very breezy, easy-to-read writing styles, as well as a strong flair for combining suspense and romance. The reality show thread of the story also made it feel fresh and contemporary, as did the many teen-friendly pop culture references.
There were a few very minor editing issues I picked up on throughout the book, which occasionally caused me to stumble over a sentence or passage, but didn't really take away from my enjoyment of the story. I also wondered if maybe the eating disorder aspect of the story was tied up too neatly. I think it's great that Dani took ownership of it and took steps to help correct the problem, but it seemed way too easy, possibly sending the message that anorexic urges can be turned on and off at will. The Big Reveal of Dani's roommate's secret reason for disliking dancers also felt rushed, and came out of nowhere for me. I liked that it was such a surprise, but I wanted it to be better developed.
The ending of the story is quite satisfying, though, and the saboteur and that person's motive were definitely unexpected and unique. This is the perfect type of book to recommend to young teens, or even tweens, who want some mystery and romance, but without much violence or sex. It will also appeal to fans of Dancing With the Stars, aspiring dancers, budding actors, and aspiring detectives.
I really like the concept for this book. I am not usually a fan of books about dancing, with the possible exception of Ballet Shoes, but the combination of dance and crime-fighting is really appealing, and brought a new, interesting layer to the mystery genre. The story reminded me a lot of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls books, both in style and substance. Brice and Carter both have very breezy, easy-to-read writing styles, as well as a strong flair for combining suspense and romance. The reality show thread of the story also made it feel fresh and contemporary, as did the many teen-friendly pop culture references.
There were a few very minor editing issues I picked up on throughout the book, which occasionally caused me to stumble over a sentence or passage, but didn't really take away from my enjoyment of the story. I also wondered if maybe the eating disorder aspect of the story was tied up too neatly. I think it's great that Dani took ownership of it and took steps to help correct the problem, but it seemed way too easy, possibly sending the message that anorexic urges can be turned on and off at will. The Big Reveal of Dani's roommate's secret reason for disliking dancers also felt rushed, and came out of nowhere for me. I liked that it was such a surprise, but I wanted it to be better developed.
The ending of the story is quite satisfying, though, and the saboteur and that person's motive were definitely unexpected and unique. This is the perfect type of book to recommend to young teens, or even tweens, who want some mystery and romance, but without much violence or sex. It will also appeal to fans of Dancing With the Stars, aspiring dancers, budding actors, and aspiring detectives.
thecalicobooks's review
4.0
It was cute and fun and I really enjoyed it, but I feel like the ending was wrapped up a little too quickly.
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